Early Childhood Martinmas Lantern Walk – Saturday, November 11th

Clear and dark the night
Stars are very bright
Lanterns shining seem so small
See in single file we walk along
Singing joyfully our lantern song
We go through the land like the wild geese band
Brothers/Sisters of one Light are we

 Dear Families,

We hope to see many of you at our early childhood lantern walk on Saturday, November 11 beginning at 5 p.m. Here is the plan for Saturday night:

• We will start our event inside with the puppet show at 5 p.m. in the Apple Blossom Garden room. Please come 10 min earlier so we can start on time! (Please remove shoes and do not bring drinks/food into room. Thank you!)
• After the puppet show we’ll light lanterns before proceeding outside to play yard. Your child’s lantern will be hanging by his/her basket. We intend to walk reverently with our lanterns. Miss Dina will lead the walk.
•  After the walk we will gather around the fire ring for singing lantern songs led by Miss Kelly.
• We will conclude the evening with hot cider/tea and star cookies. All are welcomed to help with clean up, so we can finish up around 6.30 p.m. Thanks!

Some reminders:

• Dress for the weather. We will be outside! Be strong!
• Bring a long lighter if you have one.
• Bring battery operated tea light candles as a back up if you have any
• Take your lantern home at the end of the evening

What is Martinmas?

Martinmas commemorates the spirit of St. Martin of France, a man who was known as the patron saint of beggars, drunkards, and outcasts. The gentle Martin was able to see the divine nature in all human beings. According to legend, St. Martin passed under an archway in the city of Amiens and discovered a poor beggar, shivering and nearly naked. The young Martin took his own cape, tore it in half, and covered the man to warm him. That night Martin had a dream in which he saw Christ wearing this same piece of cape. The experience confirmed in him his devotion to all mankind regardless of their station in life. Martin became known for his ability to bring warmth and light to those who were previously in darkness. The French and other European countries remember St. Martin with a festival of lanterns.

What is the Lantern Walk?

Each year at the time of Martinmas our community gathers for a walk, lit only by lanterns, as the evening dims to darkness. It is a time of reflection, as Autumn is turning colder and we prepare for the long dark winter ahead. The Lantern Walk symbolically affirms that light can continue to shine, even as the light and warmth of the sun are waning. During this time, light and warmth come more from our homes, and from the fellowship of friends and family. Carrying a light into the darkness in the company of others—as we do during the Lantern Walk—can be reassuring.

We hold a coat drive and food drive at this time of year, in the spirit of St. Martin. The day of the Lantern Walk will be the final opportunity to contribute to the coat drive, and you are welcome to bring your donations to the event. The food drive will continue weekly until November 16th.